Angel locks is an erect undershrub, 0.5 to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves are 3-foliate. Leaflets are finely hairy beneath, the terminal one being oblong, 8 to 13 centimeters long, and more than twice as large as the two lateral ones. Inflorescence is terminal and axillary, and 8 to 25 centimeters long. Flowers are white and about 6 millimeters long, umbellate or fascicled, hidden by the distichous, orbicular bracts, which are 1 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter. Stamens are 10, upper one free, other 9 united. Ovary is few- to many-ovuled, superior. Fruits are pods, oblong, hairy and usually of 2, rarely 1- or 3 joints.

Distribution

– Common in open thickets, waste places, etc., in settled areas at low and medium altitudes.

– Also occurs in India to China and Taiwan and southward to tropical Australia.

Study on effects of D. pulchellum’s root extract showed the herb may have an antihelmintic effect on the fluke Opisthorchis viverrini in hamsters. (6)

• Behavioral Effects:

Study of extract of D. pulchellum in mice showed an activity mediated via the serotonergic system and suggested a potential for the extract as a useful antidepressant. (7)

• Anti-Hepatofibrotic:

Study showed Desmodium pulchellum extract has anti-hepatic fibrotic effects on rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4. The mechanism may be through increasing the liver cell immunity against injury and indirectly reducing the formation of liver collagen protein. (8)